The most-requested Thailand route in our office is Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi, ten days, four cities, one country that feels like three. Here is how we sequence it.
Bangkok, three nights. Skip the Grand Palace on arrival day — you will be jet-lagged. Instead, a long dinner at Nahm or Err in Thonburi. Day two: Wat Arun at sunrise (empty, magical), dim sum lunch in Chinatown, a spa in the afternoon, Michelin-starred Jay Fai or Paste for dinner. Day three: a klong tour in the morning, then the Jim Thompson House.
Chiang Mai, three nights. The old city for the temples — Wat Phra Singh at dawn is the one to see — and a day trip to the Elephant Nature Park (ethical, not riding). Cooking class at Thai Farm is essential; so is a Sunday night walking street food crawl.
Krabi, four nights. Railay Beach by longtail, a day trip to Phi Phi (early, not peak), and a private island-hopper to the 4 Islands (Tup, Chicken, Poda, Phra Nang). Stay at Rayavadee if you are celebrating something — the cliffs behind the resort are Thailand's best postcard.
A final tip: fly Bangkok → Chiang Mai (one hour), Chiang Mai → Krabi (two hours, via Bangkok). Do not try to drive. The distances are brutal.
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